We are going to close out the year with a four-part series that focuses on women in leadership and how they define success.

I know that my definition of success has changed significantly. Before I started working, when I was in maybe first grade my father took us with him to work one day and I remember being so impressed that he had his very own desk and a coffee mug with his name on it. That was what success looked like to me.

When I got a bit older, I wanted to be a news anchor because I loved Liz Walker and tried to make sure that I watched the news every day to see her. She is Black and that showed me that her career was a possibility for me. There was a segment that I will never forget (even though I forgot the anchor woman’s name long ago) about a little girl with cancer. The news had been following her story and sadly, she’d passed away. The news anchor (Not Liz) who talked about it cried as she delivered the news. I was shocked because I’d never seen real emotion on TV before. I remember thinking wow, she must be really successful if she can get away with crying on air

Later, my version of success got a lot more capitalistic. I wanted a corner office where I could dress like Suzanne Sugarbaker, make tons of money, and boss people around. I didn’t realize how silly that was until much later in life. Not just because shoulder pads went out of style pretty quickly, but because bossing people around actually made me feel less successful.

Now, when I think of success I think of the people around me being happy, healthy, and content with who they are. No corner office, no millions of dollars, just satisfaction in who you are as a person and your contribution to society. It goes back to the nameless (so sorry) news anchor.  I held her in such high regard as a child and I still do, but now I see her as successful not because she got away with anything, but because she allowed herself in that moment to be herself. Tears and all. I wonder what she would make of knowing that a news segment that she did close to 40 years ago helped me figure out what true success looks like and why.  I hope she is well and I thank her for the memory and life lesson.

Now, on to what the experts think. We asked several women in leadership as a woman in leadership, what is your definition of success? Has it changed over the years?

Evolving Definition of Success in Leadership

As a woman navigating the landscape of leadership, my definition of success has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, like many young professionals, I was driven by tangible outcomes-completing projects with excellence and achieving measurable results. Success, in my early career, revolved around hitting targets and delivering impressive results. However, as I stumbled through these leadership waters, I discovered a deeper, more meaningful definition of success rooted in collaboration and the growth of those around me.

Today, I see success not just as a finished product, but as a journey taken alongside a team that collectively cares about the opportunities we create together. It’s about fostering an environment where ideas flourish, where every voice is valued, and where collaboration leads to innovation. The relationships I build with my team members and their professional growth have become the true markers of success in my role. Empowering others and witnessing their journeys is what truly drives me.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, I can often feel diminished or overlooked. Too frequently, women are made to feel that their ideas are less worthy or that they should remain silent. However, I believe that every individual, regardless of gender, holds immense potential. If I can influence even a few minds to acknowledge and embrace this potential, I believe I will have accomplished something significant. Changing the narrative around women in leadership and demonstrating that we are equally capable of inspiring and guiding others is a powerful part of my mission.

Being a mother to three daughters adds another layer to my understanding of success. I want to exemplify to them the values of hard work, self-belief, and resilience. I want them to see what a true leader looks like-someone who inspires and uplifts others on their journey. It’s essential for me that they grow up believing that they can be anything they aspire to be, and that their voices matter just as much as anyone else’s.

In the end, I’ve come to realize that my success is determined by how many people I can help along their journey. It’s no longer solely about reaching the finish line; it’s about the impact I can make on others as they strive toward their goals. If I’ve helped even one person in their path to success, then I know I have achieved something meaningful.

Debby Durr, Chief Culture Officer, Premier Wealth Partners

Shifting Focus to Team Growth

With over 35 years of experience in leadership roles, I reflect on my early days and the mindset I had when I first began this journey and can clearly see my growth. I initially struggled with the pressure to demonstrate my capability and prove my worth as a Black woman in leadership. This drive led me to shoulder a disproportionate amount of the team’s workload and stress. I became fixated on making sure that every project was a success, often at the expense of my own well-being. If I noticed that someone on my team was struggling or not meeting deadlines, I would instinctively step in to take on their tasks. This overwhelming sense of duty led me to a state of exhaustion, as I was constantly working hard to compensate for any shortcomings within the team.

However, as I matured in my role and began to cultivate my own unique approach to leadership, I learned to embrace my responsibilities differently. I started to see myself not only as a “captain of the ship” but also as an instructor in the essentials of community harmony. My focus shifted to nurturing successful teams and ensuring that our projects sparked partnerships within. Success, in my view, is no longer measured solely by project completion but rather by how well each team member feels welcome to embrace their role in the process. As a leader, I encourage individuals to bring their unique skills, knowledge, and innovative ideas to the table, which ultimately strengthens the entire team.

These days, my yardstick for success as a leader is rooted in the connections fostered within the team, the ownership of the project displayed by each member, and the collective effort to harmoniously blend cohesively for a finished project. Even if the final deliverables are faced with challenges or imperfections, my ultimate goal is to foster a sense of unity, fulfillment, and growth within each team member. It is in these moments of shared achievement and growth that I evaluate my effectiveness as a leader, acknowledging that true success lies not only in project outcomes but in the profound impact on the individuals I have the privilege to lead and mentor.

It is my hope that under my leadership, team members learn collaboration skills that they can not only apply in job settings but also outside of work in their families and local communities as well.

Lana Reid, Founder & President, Conversations in Color, a 501(c)3

 

Authenticity and Impact in Leadership

My definition of success as a woman in leadership has evolved significantly over the years. Today, success means making my greatest contribution in my sphere of influence-a concept that has become my guiding principle. I measure success not merely by milestones or titles but by the genuine impact I have on others and how aligned I am with my values, preferences, and beliefs.

In my earlier years, I linked success more closely with traditional indicators like status, accolades, and external recognition. As a recovering high achiever, I once saw success through the lens of surpassing expectations, hitting every benchmark, and checking off accomplishments that others deemed impressive. This high-achiever mindset, while valuable, often overshadowed the deeper question: “Does this success resonate with who I truly am and what I want to leave behind?”

Now, I see success as being about authenticity and alignment. It’s about how I live and lead in ways that honor my individuality, not merely following the established “rules” of success or adopting society’s definitions. My journey has taught me that success is highly personal. What fulfills one person might not fulfill another, and it’s crucial to define success on our own terms rather than through a pre-existing mold.

A profound moment of success for me was launching my first summit, The Power Shift Summit, where I brought together powerhouse women to spark change and conversation about legacy and leadership. It wasn’t just the event itself that defined success, but the ripple effect it created-the connections made, the conversations sparked, and the inspiration ignited in other women. Every step I take toward elevating my visibility, building platforms, or facilitating discussions that empower others contributes to this broader vision of success.

Today, success is deeply tied to the satisfaction, fulfillment, joy, and gratitude I feel for my contributions. It’s about the alignment of my work with my life’s purpose. If I’ve achieved what the world deems successful yet feel disconnected or unfulfilled, I now understand that isn’t true success. Success, at its core, should bring a sense of wholeness and joy-a reflection that I am 11living out my values and my greatest aspirations.

In this season of my life, success is about the legacy I’m creating. It’s about bringing forth the best of my brilliance in authentic, aligned ways, making an impact that will continue to resonate long after I’m gone.

Natalie Jobity, Leadership Elevation Strategist, Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author, The Unveiled Way

Still trying to figure out what success looks like for you? Let’s figure it out together in Sedona.